June 2012
25th International Izmir Festival (tel: 0232 482 00 90, iksev.org). From June 20 through July 21, the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education will host a variety of jazz concerts in and around the city, including one in the famous Celsus Library at Ephesus and another at the historic Cesme Castle.

July 2012
Balcova Thermal Hotel. More than a hotel, this sprawling complex is home to numerous hiking trails and several thermal spas and pools, all of which are open to the public for a nominal fee (16 Vali Huseyin Ogutcen Cad., Balcova, tel: 0232 259 0102, balcovatermal.com).

May 2012
Izmir's Wildlife Park is known through the country not only for its animals like the Asian elephant and puma but for holding several rare species of birds (Izmir Dogal Yasam Parki, tel: 0232 327 3016, izmir.bel.tr/dogalyasamparki/eng/index.html).